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Through rapidly evolving technology and performance levels, electric motorcycles are eclipsing their initial perception as docile alternative transportation. Entering the fray, and reinforcing this more aggressive and spirited attitude, is Energica, Italy’s first supersport electric motorcycle manufacturer.

Energica’s Eva is an upright, naked street fighter, designed as an easy-handling and maneuverable urban-jungle commuter that doubles as a sure-footed, highly responsive weekend sport machine. Equipped with a permanent magnet AC, oil-cooled motor, the Eva produces 95 hp with a torque rating of 125 ft lbs, available instantaneously from the initial turn of the throttle. No clutch, no gears—just a throttle and brakes makes operation exceptionally uncomplicated.

There are four preprogrammed riding modes to tailor performance and battery use: Urban, Eco, Rain, and Sport. Energica claims the Eva has a range on full charge of up to 125 miles in Eco mode, and a top speed of 125 mph in Sport mode. A steel tubular-trellis frame with a beefy cast-aluminum swing arm is married to stylishly wedged bodywork, imbuing the Eva with a chic presence indicative of designs from other iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturers.

What separates the Energica from other electric motorcycles is its integrated fast-charge system. The under-seat outlet is fully compatible with commercial recharging stations, or the bike can be charged at home with a traditional wall outlet. The advantage of the fast-charge system is the greatly reduced time required to recharge the battery (versus slower times … often the bane of electric vehicles) with the 4 DC system restoring up to 85 percent of battery power in just 30 minutes.

Eva’s comfortable ergonomics provide an ease of reach to the handlebars, control levers, and foot pegs. Handling is intuitive and responsive, belying a weight of 550 pounds—which is carried low in the chassis. Providing protection for the rider, a bikini fairing sits atop a dual-headlight arrangement. The Energica Eva starts at $34,000 and is available in electric green or dark blue. (energicamotor.com)